Budget-Friendly and Time-Conscious Thanksgiving Tips & Recipes

For when you don’t want to cook a whole bird (try it with chicken!)

• 5 lbs Turkey Breast, bone in & skin on
• 2 tbsp Butter, softened
• 2 large Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Rosemary
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 2 tsp Salt
• Black Pepper, to taste
• 3 cups Water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, add softened butter, garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt & pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Rub turkey breast with seasoned butter all around, starting from the bottom with bone side.
   Place turkey breast side up on a rack and then put rack inside the baking dish. Pour water into the pan underneath the turkey.
4. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes on a bottom rack.
5. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 70-80 minutes more or until internal temperature in the deepest part of meat reaches 150 – 155 degrees F.

For a more naturally sweetened sauce

• 12 oz Cranberries, fresh or frozen

• 1/3 Cup Maple Syrup or Honey

• 1/4 Cup Orange Juice (use zest of oranges if fresh)

• 1/8 tsp Vanilla (optional)

• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add cranberries, syrup or honey, and orange juice to a pot.
2. Cover and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium and cook for 6 more minutes.
3. Remove lid and add vanilla & cinnamon (optional). Stir and cook for another 3 minutes or until cranberries are broken down and the sauce has thickened.

For a new dish to serve featuring seasonal vegetables.

For the Squash

• 3 Acorn Squash, small

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

• Salt & Pepper, to taste

For the Stuffing

• 1 Onion, chopped
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Lean Turkey, ground
• 3 Cups spinach/kale, chopped
• 2 tsp Dried Rosemary
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Hard Cheese & Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. (save them to toast later)
2. Place squash cut side up on a large baking sheet. Brush with 1 tbsp of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. In the meantime, prepare the stuffing. Place a large skillet over medium-low heat.
4. Add oil onion and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant. Add turkey and cook for another 7-8 minutes while mixing and breaking up the meat.
5. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together and cook for another few minutes.
6. After the squash have roasted for 30 minutes, remove them from the oven. Carefully stuff the centers with the stuffing & sprinkle on cheese (optional).
7. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the squash can be easily pierced with a fork.

For a crunchy & salty snack while waiting for dinner.

• Acorn Squash Seeds

• Oil of your choosing, enough to lightly coat

• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking tray with foil.
2. Remove squash pulp from seeds as best as possible.
3. In a bowl, drizzle oil onto the seeds to lightly coat. Add salt and mix.
4. Spread the seeds on your baking sheet in a single layer and place into the oven.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing the seeds with a spatula once or twice during the cooking time.
6. Remove once they are golden and fragrant.

For a deliciously simple vegetable side dish.

• 1.5 lbs Fresh Green Beans, ends trimmed

• 3 Tbsp Water

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced

• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat large ceramic non-stick skillet on medium heat.
2. Add green beans and 3 tbsp water. Cover and cook for 4 minutes.
3. Remove the lid and if there is any water left, cook green beans until water has evaporated.
4. Push beans to the side. Add olive oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds and then stir with green beans. Season with salt & pepper.

For a traditional & simple seasonal vegetable side.

• 2 lbs Brussels Sprouts, fresh

• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil

• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Trim the ends and remove outer leaves from brussels sprouts.
3. Place brussels sprouts on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Mix with hands to evenly coat with oil and seasonings. Spread into a single layer.
5. Bake for 40 mins, tossing with a spatula 1-2 times after the 30 minute mark.

For a hassle-free slow cooker recipe (try it with sweet potatoes!)

• 5 lbs Potatoes, peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/2 Cup of Lowfat or Plant-Based Milk

• 1/2 Cup Low-Sodium Broth

• 3 Garlic Cloves, smashed

• 1/3 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

• 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

• Sliced Green Onions or Chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place potato cubes along with milk, broth, salt, black pepper, and garlic into a slow cooker. Toss to combine.
2. Cover the crock and cook for about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
3. When the potatoes are tender, mash them directly in the slow cooker to your desired consistency.
4. Add yogurt and grated parmesan, and season to taste.
5. Place the lid back on the crock pot and heat through for another 15-20 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.

For a hearty seasonal soup you can make ahead (try with any winter squash!)

• 1 Butternut Squash,  peeled, seeded, & cubed (save your seeds to toast later)
• 2 Tbsp Oil
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 1 Stalk Celery, chopped
• 1 Medium Carrot, chopped
• 32 oz Low-Sodium Broth
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add oil to a large soup pot. Add onion, celery, carrot and squash and cook for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
2. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat and cover. Simmer for 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
3. Carefully, transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender), and blend until smooth.
4. Mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

If Freezing…

1. Allow soup to cool, and then pour into a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top for expansion.
2. Place in the freezer until ready to use.
3. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if desired. Reheat in a pot on the stove.

For a healthy dessert that highlights beautiful seasonal apples.

• 4 Large Apples

• 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened

• 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar or Honey

• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg

• 1/3 Cup Whole Rolled Oats

• 2 Tbsp Raisins/Dried Cranberries/Chopped Nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash butter, sugar/honey, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until combined. Add raisins/dried cranberries/nuts, if using. Set aside.
2. Core the apples: Use an apple corer or a sharp paring knife and a spoon. Cut around the core, about 3/4 down into the apple. Use a spoon to carefully dig out the core.
3. Place cored apples in a baking pan with sides. Spoon filling into each apple p to the top.
4. Pour water into the pan around the apples to cover the bottom.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are to your desired softness.
6. Remove apples from the oven and allow to rest 5 minutes. Serve warm.

For a traditional dessert you can make in advance

• 1 Store-Bought Pie Dough

• 3 Eggs, large

• 15 oz can 2 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

• 1/2 cup your choice of milk

• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice**

• 1/4 tsp salt

**Make & store your own pumpkin pie spice in a jar by mixing 1/4 cup ground cinnamon, 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg, 1 Tbsp ground ginger and 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a medium bowl, add eggs and whisk for 30 seconds.
3. Add pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, salt and whisk together.
4. Pour your pie filling into pre-baked crust and bake pie for 55 minutes.

Freeze & Store…

1. Let the pie cool completely.
2. Wrap the pie tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap.
3. Label the pie with the freeze date and place in freezer.
4. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.